Makeup artists enjoy lucrative and fun careers in the entertainment industry, working for celebrities, executives and other business leaders, in salons, even in beauty schools and as advisors and spokespeople for the industry, depending upon your experience.
Not sure where you fit in? Here are eight places where makeup artists find fulfilling work.
1. Movies, Television and Film Industry
Makeup artists are found behind the scenes making our favorite celebrities look beautiful for the camera – be it a movie and film camera or a television one.
From the anchors at the evening newscast on television, to actors on a movie set, makeup artists find fulfilling work making these people look picture-perfect.
Thanks to the Internet makeup artists also find fulfilling work in numerous amateur, semi-pro and professional productions, especially for online streaming media videos, such as those found on YouTube, Vimeo and even Netflix. From miniseries to web series, even video podcasts available on iTunes and other podcatchers – all have makeup artists working behind the scenes on those in front of the camera.
But wait – there is more – makeup artists don’t just make people look beautiful – special effects makeup artists create some of the most horrific and gruesome characters we’ve come to know and love. Think chainsaw-wielding Freddy Krueger from Friday the 13th, or even Darth Maul from the latest Star Wars movies.
2. Theatre and Live Performances
Makeup artists also find fulfilling work creating character makeup for actors in small community theatre productions, to big Broadway productions around the world, and everything in between.
Working in a live production is great if you are creative and fast on your feet. You may only have a handful of minutes to transform an actor into their older self for the next scene, just before they go on stage.
3. Rockin’ On in the Music Industry
Okay, you’re parents are happy you outgrew your desire to be a rock star. But you still love music?
Makeup artists find fulfilling work making our favorite musicians look great for public appearances, music videos, and of course for their live concerts at big concert halls all or even smaller bars and clubs.
4. Amusement Parks, Baseball Stadiums, and Other Attractions
Next time someone takes you out to the ballgame, look around. Mascots, coaches, and some professional athletes have their own makeup artists that make them over just before they go to work, appear in their mascot costume, or do a television interview life for the cameras.
5. Executives, Business Leaders, Politicians and Other Public People
Whether you love him or loathe him, many public figures like Donald Trump have makeup artists work their magic before they appear anywhere – be it on before being interviewed on a television show, appearing at a fundraiser, or even just being in the audience at a public function such as the Oscar’s or some other event where the media may be watching.
6. Beauty and Retail Salons and Spas
One of the most common places makeup artists find meaningful and useful work is in local beauty salons.
Whether you’re getting someone ready for their big day walking down the wedding aisle, or just making someone’s day a little brighter, makeup artists working in beauty salons enhance the salon’s customers experience by making them look – and feel – more beautiful.
That’s part of the joy of working in a beauty salon or spa – not only do you make your customer look better, but feel better too.
7. Running Down the Runway
Makeup artists find fulfilling work in the fashion industry too. From prepping models for their 30-second walk down the runway, to working directly for private fashion labels, clothing designers and photographers.
You have to have a keen eye for detail sometimes have to work under tight deadlines, to get numerous models ready for a live fashion show. But then there are also the more relaxed photo shoots where you have one or two models and once you’ve made them over, the most they need throughout the shoot are just touch-ups.
8. Wedding Industry
Believe it or not, some makeup artists find fulfilling work focusing exclusively on weddings.
From making the bride and groom look amazing for their special day, to applying some color to members of the wedding party, makeup artists make everyone look good for the estimated 2.5 million weddings that happen annually in America.
Are You Ready for a Beautiful Career?
Avenue Five Institute was founded in 2007 with the vision of supporting Austin’s thriving beauty industry. For aspiring professionals, the school offers three comprehensive training programs specializing in haircare, massage or skincare.
Schedule a tour or contact our staff today!